Up and Coming Pokie Developers to Watch in 2025

1. Atomic Slot Lab

Atomic Slot Lab merges land-based nostalgia with the flexibility of modern online gaming. Backed by the Bragg Gaming Group, the studio crafts games tailored to regional tastes using a data-driven approach.

What sets them apart? Instead of following trends blindly, Atomic Slot Lab analyzes player preferences to create games that feel personal and relevant, whether it’s through custom themes or refined payout structures.

Instead of guessing what players might like, they analyze player habits and regional trends to craft games that hit the sweet spot. Whether it’s adjusting themes, payout structures, or game features, Atomic Slot Lab ensures their slots feel personal and relevant, no matter where you’re spinning from.

Standout Features

• Regional Customisation: Games are meticulously designed to align with the preferences of various markets.
• Las Vegas Energy: Drawing inspiration from the vibrant Las Vegas casino scene with dynamic themes and engaging mechanics.

Notable Titles

• Egyptian Magic: Hold and Spin mechanic and multiple jackpot opportunities.
• Fairy Dust: 4-3-3-3-4 reel layout with Wild Spread and Symbol Upgrade in free spins.

2. SpinBerry

SpinBerry is already making waves with its innovative mechanics and strategic partnerships. Collaborations with Light & Wonder (OpenGaming platform) and Pariplay’s Ignite program have expanded its reach into regulated markets worldwide, giving them access to global distribution platforms.

The Snap and Slide mechanic, first seen in Crazy Crocs, is a standout innovation. This interactive feature allows symbols to slide into place, creating new combinations and adding an extra layer of engagement rarely seen in traditional slots.

With their focus on quality over quantity, SpinBerry blends classic slot aesthetics with modern gameplay innovations that keep players coming back for more.

Standout Feature

• The ‘Snap and Slide’ mechanic, as seen in Crazy Crocs, slides symbols into place for new combinations.

Notable Titles

• Crazy Crocs — introduces Snap and Slide.
• SpinBerry Wilds — expanding wilds with free spins.

3. Ruby Play

Ruby Play has built its reputation on player-focused innovation, combining familiar mechanics with fresh twists to keep players engaged. Their Immortal Ways® mechanic demonstrates their ability to push cascading reels beyond the ordinary.

Standout Feature

• Immortal Ways® — dual-reel expansions during bonus rounds, blending cascading reels with storytelling.

Notable Titles

• Sun of Ra — Hold and Respin with the chance for multiple jackpots in one bonus round.
• Medusa Money — Super Free Spins stacking multipliers for high-volatility thrills.

Awards and Partnerships

Ruby Play’s Immortal Ways Mr. First earned the B.F.T.H. Arena Best FTN Game Award. Partnerships with Rush Street Interactive have expanded their reach in the U.S. market.

Why They’re Worth Watching

Their combination of mechanical innovation and global expansion ensures they remain a trusted name in cutting-edge slot design.

4. Peter & Sons

Peter & Sons (P&S) has quickly become one of the most distinctive names in the industry. Known for their artistic visuals and innovative mechanics in folklore-inspired themes, they are certified in 15+ regulated jurisdictions, including the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority.

Key partnerships with Yggdrasil, Relax Gaming, and Light & Wonder have helped them expand and distribute their games to top-tier platforms like White Hat Gaming and 32Red. Their proprietary HTML5 framework supports 40+ languages and currencies and pairs well with gamification tools like Free Spins, Cash Drops, and Slot Tournaments.

Notable Titles

• Johnan Legendarian — cascading wins with immersive storytelling.
• Valkyries — synchronised reels and expanding wilds.
• Greedy Alice — developed in partnership with Yggdrasil.

5. NetGame Entertainment

NetGame Entertainment consistently delivers engaging visuals and fresh bonus features. Their Magic Tree mechanic drops wild symbols dynamically onto the reels, building anticipation and excitement for players.

Standout Feature

• The ‘Magic Tree’ mechanic dynamically drops wilds onto the reels.

Notable Titles

• Magic Tree — visually-driven wild-drop feature.
• Golden Skulls — includes a ‘Tequila Shots’ bonus game.

Why They’re Worth Watching

With unique themes and bonus-driven gameplay, NetGame keeps its portfolio fresh even when mechanics are familiar.

Challenges Faced by Emerging Casino Developers

Emerging developers face steep challenges when breaking into the industry:

• Partnership Hurdles: Major casinos often favour established names (e.g., NetEnt, Playtech), limiting opportunities for smaller studios.
• Costly Regulations: Securing licenses in markets like the UK or Malta can cost $25,000–$100,000.
• Competition: Industry giants dominate with expansive portfolios, forcing smaller developers to stand out through innovation.

What to Expect in 2025 for Online Casinos

Emerging developers are pushing boundaries, and 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year. Expect:

• Blended Gameplay: Mixes of traditional pokies with skill-based mechanics and mini-games offering interactive, story-driven experiences.
• Mobile-First Focus: Quick-loading games, smooth performance on lower-end devices, and portrait-mode play will dominate. See studios like Hacksaw Gaming.
• Partnership-Driven Growth: More exclusive launches and branded content as studios form distribution deals, similar to Push Gaming partnering with Relax Gaming.

How to Spot Rising Stars in the Industry

Want to discover the next breakout developer? Watch for:

• Innovation: Providers offering standout mechanics, like SpinBerry’s Snap and Slide or Ruby Play’s Immortal Ways®.
• Awards: Recognition at events like the EGR B2B Awards or Global Gaming Awards.
• Partnerships: Studios teaming up with major platforms for distribution and reach.

How We Rate Up and Coming Pokie Developers

When evaluating rising stars we focus on several key areas that indicate potential and trustworthiness:

Game Innovation and Unique Offerings

We assess creativity and differentiation through unique mechanics, fresh themes, and experimental designs. Providers who introduce new, exciting features score highly.

Game Quality and User Experience

We look at polish, graphics, sound design, and gameplay. A small but high-quality portfolio indicates strong commitment to excellence.

RTP (Return to Player) and Volatility

We evaluate how developers balance RTP and volatility to appeal to different player types. Competitive RTPs and thoughtful volatility models are positive signs.

Mobile Compatibility and Accessibility

We test performance on mobile devices, including load times and smoothness. Mobile-first optimisation is increasingly important.

Fairness, Security, and Transparency

We look for independent testing, clear fairness information, and secure player-data handling. Transparency matters even for smaller studios.

Customer Support and Responsiveness

Accessible, responsive support indicates a studio serious about building trust with players.

Licensing and Regulatory Approvals

Licenses from respected authorities (e.g., Malta Gaming Authority, UK Gambling Commission) are positive indicators. We also consider a developer’s intent to pursue licensing.

Conclusion

The online casino world is bursting with innovation, and these five rising developers show that fresh talent can compete with industry giants. Whether it’s Atomic Slot Lab’s data-driven approach, SpinBerry’s Snap and Slide mechanic, or Peter & Sons’ artistic storytelling, each studio brings something unique to the table.

As we look toward 2025, the trends of mobile-first gaming, interactive features, and strategic partnerships will continue shaping the industry. For players, this means more engaging experiences and groundbreaking games to enjoy.

Keep an eye on these developers—they’re not just reshaping how we play; they’re defining the future of slots.

New Developer FAQ

Are rising slot developers focusing on mobile gaming?

Absolutely! Over 70% of online slot play now happens on mobile. Rising developers are crafting mobile-first games with quick load times, smooth interfaces, and portrait-friendly designs. Expect more HTML5-based slots optimized for instant play across devices.

What trends are influencing new slot developers?

Emerging developers are tapping into:

• Web3 technology for transparent gameplay and NFT integration.
• Social gaming elements like multiplayer slot challenges.
• Immersive themes that use VR/AR and big data to tailor experiences.

What makes a slot developer stand out in 2025?

Developers shine by creating games with innovative features, engaging narratives, and cutting-edge technology. Rising stars focus on customization, seamless mobile-first experiences, and unique mechanics, such as hybrid slot-RPG gameplay or AI-driven adaptive difficulty. Prioritising responsible gambling tools also builds credibility.

How do new developers approach responsible gambling?

Emerging studios are incorporating tools like customisable loss limits, real-time play tracking, and pop-up reminders. Developers focusing on player well-being gain credibility and player trust.

How can I try games from up-and-coming developers?

You can explore exclusive titles from up-and-coming developers directly on our site, where we highlight the freshest and most innovative slots available.